I enjoy shooting a variety of .32acp guns and carry a Seecamp that is a .32acp. It is usually pretty easy to find, but not real cheap, but what is? Which Beretta is it, a new one or one of the larger older models?

The recoil is light and the bullet accurate enough for fun. It's a good transitional round to use to teach new shooters. I've had this round in the CZ83, Walther PP, Sig 230, as well as the Seecamp and had great fun with all of them. There are about 6 very competent defensive rounds now available in .32acp as well as cheaper ball. I'm partial to S&B and Fiocchi.

PabloJ

May 12, 2011, 07:03 PM

How is this round?? OK? Bad? Decent? I put on a Beretta that shoots it on layaway today and I'm wondering if I will like it or hate it??
I would rather have .22WRM.

Toml

May 12, 2011, 07:05 PM

Good round. The ultimate cartridge for blowback-design pistols. Weigh your powder carefully if you handload.

The Lone Haranguer

May 12, 2011, 07:05 PM

I wouldn't volunteer to stand in front of a .32 ACP :D, but its niche is in little pocket guns like the Seecamp (on my "Iwanna" list). You are trading cartridge power for maximum deep concealability. If you can carry a bigger gun/caliber, do so.

Caliper_RWVA

May 12, 2011, 07:07 PM

I wouldn't use it as a defensive caliber unless it is the only thing available, but I've got an old Savage pistol in .32 that is fun to shoot. New shooters may find the recoil noticeably higher than .22, but not a problem. E

PRM

May 12, 2011, 07:08 PM

Within its design limits its very functional. It was one of John Browning and Alvin York's favorites. It has always been more favored in Europe than in the US. But, that has started to change some in the last few years with some very high quality guns hitting market.

There are better rounds out there. But, regardless of caliber, there no guaranteed one shot stops.

My favorite EDC is a Walther PP in 32 ACP. I have found it to be completely reliable in this gun and very pleasant to shoot. If concealment is a primary concern ~ the 32s fill a unique place.

jimk0512

May 12, 2011, 07:17 PM

.32 Auto has marginal stopping power. Handguns chambered in it like the Beretta Tomcat, Kel-Tec P-32 (my EDC), and the Seecamp LWS 32 are compact, light weight, and great for pocket carry. Even in a pocket pistol, the .32 Auto has low recoil, I am comfortable shooting a box of 50 rounds through my Kel-Tec P-32.

RugerNut9

May 12, 2011, 07:39 PM

Thanks for all the info fellas, I put a Beretta 82 on layaway and it shoots it, its pretty large framed comparatively speaking when you are speaking of small guns. Its basically the same as a 92FS which I am quite familiar with (Army) I just wanted something fun to shoot although it cost a little more than 9mm. Its my "get back to the truck" gun haha. I keep my G17 in the truck. I would like to reload it, however my reloading stuff is in storage until I get the room to set it back up. It used to make you about break even to reload some rounds but now you're saving money on just about anything.

IdahoSkies

May 12, 2011, 08:40 PM

Its a cartridge well tailored for small frame pistols. Some people have problems handling a .380, a .32 out of the same size pistol is a breeze. Shot placement and follow ups are easy. I think it is an underrated caliber. (a kel-tec p32 is also my EDC).

snooperman

May 12, 2011, 09:15 PM

The new "core bonded" ammo such Winchester PDX-1 and Remington Golden saber, Speer Gold dots, etc will make this cartridge much better for conceal carry than the FMJ . Look at "Golden loki.com" and you will see adequate penetration and expansion for this round. For the recoil shy it is fine. Anyway, shot placement is by far more important than just bullet size.

jwr_747

May 12, 2011, 09:25 PM

I have an older Walther PP in 32 ACP.great gun,easy to shoot,recoil no problem.Of the 25 or so handguns I own ,not counting a Beretta 21A or a Ruger LCP,the Walther is the easiest to CCW. As far as a self defense weapon,maybe not up to 50 BMG standards,but 6 or 7 rounds in the eye, forehead area WILL slow the perp down...jwr

KiowaScout

May 12, 2011, 09:34 PM

I have a WWII Mauser HsC in .32 that I was thinking about selling, but this thread is giving me second thoughts! My buddy also has a P-32 as his CCW weapon and speaks well enough about the caliber with the right ammo, so with so much under-dog praise, hmmmm :) Sounds like a winner to me!

RugerNut9

May 12, 2011, 09:43 PM

Well when it comes down to it shot placement is key, that and the sound of the gun itself going off would scare most off I wont say all but the gun being presented is a good deterrent to a lesser armed BG :p

surjimmy

May 13, 2011, 02:32 AM

If you can get your money back and buy a Colt 1903. Man'O'Man, I just got this after 2 years of going back and forth. Took it to the range yesterday, accurate, no recoil to speak of and easy to hide. This is one sweet gun. In a perfect world I would carry my 1911 all the time, but its not. I'm not like most, I have no problem carrying a 32acp. Is it my first choice, no but if it's hot and I'm wearing lighter clothing, you bet..http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa250/surjimmy/IMG_2942.jpghttp://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa250/surjimmy/IMG_2943.jpg

RugerNut9

May 13, 2011, 02:50 AM

Well thanks for that I like Berettas pretty good though :p never fooled with any Colts other than an M16A4 This will be my first owned Beretta though and I tell you what Im in for trouble if I need a need barrel, or firing pin or springs or magazines I know that.... I cant find any of the above on the net :(

J_McLeod

May 14, 2011, 01:11 AM

I assume you mean the Beretta Tomcat? My wife bought one a few years ago as a carry gun, but didn't like it because it was too wide. With something that wide you might as well have a larger bullet. It's pleasant to shoot. I took it to the range after >100 rounds through it, and when I dropped the mag, a small piece of the frame went with it. We sent i back to Beretta and they replaced it for free, after about 2 months.

I did a double trade this morning. A Beretta 81 was one gun I got in the trade. (An M57 was the other) It has been on my wish list for a while now. I like the .32 ACP. Cheap to load, low recoil, and just plain fun. I carry a Seecamp .32 ACP frequently. The 81 is a bit big for that. There are better calibers in the same size package. That doesn't mean it won't work for carry, cause it will. Thirteen rounds of .32 ACP is nothing to scoff at. Mine is well loved, but mechanically very good. I am looking forward to taking it to the range.

Congrats on your 81, I am sure you will like it. I am excited about mine. :)

FruitCake

May 14, 2011, 02:31 PM

I love shooting my P32 that the wifey considers hers now.
Almost no recoil and with proper shot placement will work.
A couple of 32 to the face will bring any man down regardless of size.
The P32 goes everywhere with her and she loves it, now I have to get another one for myself.

gloucestergarand

May 14, 2011, 05:28 PM

I took the VA CHL class at the NRA range back in 2005 using my Polizei Walther PP in .32. Thing I learned was to be comfortable, competent and carry it...have since switched over to my Crimson Trace equiped Colt Commander, but every now and then, when the dress and occasion call for, I have no problems wearing the PP. Like my instructor said, a .32 PP carried is far better than my 629, CZ75 or Commander left at home.

benderx4

May 15, 2011, 02:03 AM

I carry a Seecamp LWS32 in the summer as a pocket gun. (Desantis holster)

Nice, comfortable round that would hopefully buy me time to get to my vehicle and grab my car gun. In other words, it's better than a sharp stick in the eye and I certainly wouldn't want to be shot by one.

weregunner

May 15, 2011, 02:31 AM

I've embraced the .32 calibers for revolvers and pistols as I get older.

The CZ 83, Beretta Tomcat, NAA Guardian, and the Taurus 732 all have different missions.

MICHAEL T

May 15, 2011, 02:38 AM

I have 3 of the P-32 in family wife and daughter each have 1 and I have one and a P3AT also..

Tomcat47

May 15, 2011, 12:59 PM

I love my Beretta 3032 Tomcat...:)

It leaves the house every day!

JDGray

May 15, 2011, 01:14 PM

32ACP was good enough for WWII German Soldiers, they must have found something worthwhile in it;)

RevolvingGarbage

May 15, 2011, 01:43 PM

It was also good enough to kill the Archduke Ferdinand and his wife after penetrating the body of the car they were riding in, and ultimately start WWI.

Clark

May 15, 2011, 09:53 PM

Some say the 32acp is a mouse gun, but it started WWI and ended WWII in Europe.

pockets

May 16, 2011, 11:19 AM

I like .32acp pistols and often carry a Kel-Tec P-32 (my hands not being what the once were, prefer my P-32's over my P3AT's and such).
In fact, the subject came up just last week at the local range. I watched a guy struggling to get his girlfriend to shoot an LCP. After a few shots had whacked her hand, she simply refused to pull the trigger again. Unfortunately, I was carrying a PF9 that day and didn't have a P32 with me to let her try. I am certain she would have been quite comfortable with the .32acp in a K-T P32 instead of the .380acp in the LCP.

I enjoy the .32's, just picked up a Beretta 81 last week and got a chance to shoot it on Sunday. Man, that's one sweet shooting gun:D
It'll be keeping company with a WWII bring back CZ 27 and a 1903 Colt. Gotta' love 'em

biohazurd

May 16, 2011, 04:18 PM

In north america it is often seen as underpowered but honestly the .32 acp has killed a crapload of europeans. I use my kel tec p32 as a last resort weapon...

CZguy

May 16, 2011, 04:23 PM

In north america it is often seen as underpowered but honestly the .32 acp has killed a crapload of europeans.

It does seem to be a cultural perception. Same thing with cars also.

burnse

May 16, 2011, 11:46 PM

It always comes down to the idea that you shouldn't knock something until you try it. I've tried a couple of .32s. It has become my favorite centerfire cartridge since then.

MachIVshooter

May 18, 2011, 03:55 AM

It does seem to be a cultural perception. Same thing with cars also.

Why have "just enough" when you can have "plenty"? ;)

SharpsDressedMan

May 18, 2011, 11:26 PM

Why a .32? Because some of us just like ALL guns, and owning a .32 is just one more way of enjoying gun collecting, shooting, and yes, it CAN be a self defense gun. Are there more powerful ones? (rhetorical question: you don't really have to answer.:D) My .32 Colt 1903 gets carried a lot (ankle rig), particularly when I want to appear to NOT be carrying a bigger gun (no one ever looks at my legs (:(). I think there is a place and use for almost ANY gun. You just have to find it, or, create it.

mr.trooper

May 18, 2011, 11:33 PM

I carry a 32 often. It doesn't "bother" me at all - in fact I find it very comforting to know that I can have a small, reliable, and unobtrusive firearms on my person at all times, without anyone else ever knowing. ;)

It should also be pointed out that the 22 magnum does NOT develop anything close to its rifle ballistics in small guns. From a mouse gun, its barely makes 1,000 fps with a 40gr bullet - certainly no advantage over a 32acp.

RockyMtnTactical

May 19, 2011, 04:42 AM

I have a P32. It doesn't inspire confidence. I would hate to have to use it to defend myself.

I don't trust JHP's in it either because I don't think they give you adequate penetration.

Onmilo

May 19, 2011, 12:53 PM

.32 acps??!!
Terrible horrible guns and a puny, inadequate caliber.
Send your unwanted and despised .32 acp guns to me and I will personally ensure they never come back onto the gun buying market while i am still alive!:p
I am especially looking to remove an excellent condition FN 1900 with at least two spare factory magazines from the market and am trying for a reasonable price.
http://fototime.com/43F4842442582C8/medium.jpg

Norton Commando

May 19, 2011, 01:49 PM

I enjoy shooting my Ortgies Patent .32. However, the ammunition seems more expensive than it should be.

Jason

dickttx

May 19, 2011, 01:56 PM

I (my wife) have a Beretta 7.65 her dad brought back from WWII. Very nice condition. There are also two hand made holsters with it. It had been sitting around for nearly 30 years since we got married. Couple of months ago I cleaned it and took it out and fired a magazine full of rounds through it. Couldn't keep all the rounds on a 2'x2' target backer from 50 feet. It almost took two fingers to pull the trigger and I could barely operate the slide. Think it will go back in the safe. If I recall, it was made in 1944.

mr.trooper

May 19, 2011, 03:36 PM

I have a P32. It doesn't inspire confidence.

Logic for the win. *rolleyes*

jimk0512

May 19, 2011, 11:43 PM

I have a P32. It doesn't inspire confidence.

Just curious, what makes you confident in a handgun? For me, it is knowing that the handgun is reliable and accurate in my hands.

I have over 1500 rounds through my P-32. Still runs like a fine watch. I have lost count how many thousands of rounds I have put through my Ruger 22/45, so I'm really confident in my Ruger, also.

I have grown to really respect the .32acp cartridge. Over the years, I've shot all sorts of non-typical targets to break the monotony (old books, propane tanks, empty fire extinguishers and the such) and find the .32acp 73gr FMJ will certainly penetrate.

I find things that a 9x18 or .380acp won't always penetrate is often punched through with the .32acp. Of course this is due to the caliber and bullet profile and not in any way having to do with having more "power", as it takes a back seat to both the 9x17 and 9x18 in terms of energy.

However, if penetration is something one is looking for, the .32acp FMJ can provide it.
I have little doubt the little 73gr .32acp pill will punch through the snot locker and into the brain case of anyone unfortunate enough to encounter one in combat. I also have little doubt it has the capabilities to penetrate any major organ from a frontal shot. I guess that's why it was considered for so long to be an adequate cartridge for military and police in Europe.

As for .32acp in JHP flavor, I'll pass. Besides risking rimlock with certain pistols (my P32 being one of them), an expanded .32acp, IMHO, will come at the sacrifice of its greats attribute, penetration.

toivo

May 20, 2011, 03:28 AM

This thread is giving me a hankering for a Colt 1903. It didn't help that I just caught The Big Sleep on TV this afternoon.

http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/File:TheBigSleep_3.jpg

Big_John1961

May 20, 2011, 04:43 PM

^^Great movie.

toivo

May 26, 2011, 02:14 AM

I think I'm cursed -- just when I decided I can't buy any more guns this year, what should pop up at my local Gander Mountain but a Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless. They want $499 -- I'm afraid to even look at it. This is a gun I really don't need but I really want...

CZguy

May 26, 2011, 03:11 AM

Gander Mountain but a Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless. They want $499 -- I'm afraid to even look at it. This is a gun I really don't need but I really want...

Whatever you decide, make sure that you post photos.

Snowdog

May 26, 2011, 11:26 AM

I really have difficulty imagining a more classy pistol than a 1903. It is one of those pistols that I know I absolutely must have.

BTW, they are one of the most photogenic pistols out there. Toivo, if you do buy that 1903, please do just what CZguy asks and post pictures.